Religiosity and Hope: A Path for Women Coping With a Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Both religiosity and hope are known for their positive role in coping with cancer. This study examines the mediating role of hope between religiosity and coping for women diagnosed with breast cancer. Israeli Jewish women with breast cancer (N=233) completed the Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, The Systems of Belief Inventory, and The Hope Scale. By use of hierarchical regression, hope was found to be a mediator between religiosity and three coping styles. Special attention should be given to the role of hope for religious patients because it increases the positive effects of religion in coping with cancer.